Editor:
As we begin to see green buds of flowers popping up from the soil, the spring term is in full swing at Crestwood School District. Our 3,900 students are learning in their classrooms, enjoying spring sports, and preparing for end-of-year events.
I have recently spoken to members in our community who want to be better informed about the upcoming $35 million bond proposal. Many are impressed that, in addition to updating school facilities, sites, and classroom technology, we will be looking closely at safety and security.
We know the security of our facilities is on most community members’ minds, and the bond proposal on the May 3 ballot comprehensively addresses our schools’ security needs. Our schools, built in the 1950s and 1960s, feature entrances that are central, open, and accessible. However, today’s best practices call for locked, double door vestibule entrances that route directly to the main office. The upcoming bond proposal will allow us to reduce potential security issues by improving the entrances at each school, upgrading and expanding our security cameras, and installing secure card reader systems to restrict access to exterior doors.
In addition to security, our independent experts have identified areas where it’s necessary to address safety within our school district. Many of our sidewalks, parking lots, and walkways are past their useful lives and require repair or replacement. We are also planning to upgrade our traffic flow for safer drop-off and pick-up. To learn more about all of the projects this bond proposal will address, visit www.csdm.k12.mi.us.
In this election, every vote is important. Please remember to vote on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Approval of this bond will address our most important safety and security needs, make sure our school facilities are updated and in good repair, and ensure that our children and families are safe and secure throughout the district.
If you have questions or need more information contact me at (313) 278-0903 or email [email protected] 12.mi. us.
Laurine VanValkenburg
Crestwood
Superintendent of Schools